Medi-Cal: monthly maintenance amount: personal and incidental needs.
If enacted, AB 848 would have significant implications for state laws governing the Medi-Cal program. By increasing the maintenance amount dedicated to personal and incidental needs, the bill aims to provide a more realistic and adequate financial framework that aligns with the increasing costs associated with healthcare services. Furthermore, the Department of Health Care Services would be mandated to adjust this amount annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index, providing ongoing support for the medically needy over time.
Assembly Bill 848, introduced by Assembly Member Calderon, seeks to amend Section 14005.12 of the Welfare and Institutions Code related to the Medi-Cal program. The bill proposes to increase the monthly maintenance amount for personal and incidental needs from the current $35 to $80 for medically needy individuals living in medical institutions or receiving care through Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This adjustment reflects a recognition of the rising costs of living and is intended to ensure that these vulnerable populations can better meet their basic personal needs while in care.
Some potential points of contention surrounding AB 848 may arise regarding the sustainability of the proposed increases in the context of the state's budget and fiscal priorities. Critics might argue that adjustments to public assistance programs should be accompanied by clear strategies for financial responsibility, especially as demands on healthcare and social services grow. Additionally, advocates for the disabled and elderly populations may push for further enhancements to Medi-Cal services, advocating that merely increasing the monthly allowance may not sufficiently address the broader systemic issues faced by these groups in accessing quality care.